ADHD In Preschoolers:

Fact Or Fiction?

The topic of diagnosing ADHD in preschoolers is very contentious. One
of the problems is that there is plenty of contradictory research and
information out there, and even top ADHD researchers and experts have
different opinions.

As a doctor who treats ADHD, and as the
mother of a son with ADHD, this issue is important to me both
personally and professionally.

At best, the contrasting
information is very confusing to well-meaning parents who simply wish to
help their children. At worst, children can be improperly diagnosed or
go untreated.

According to the American Academy of
Pediatrics, ADHD can be diagnosed in children as young as four years of
age. This is a change from their previous guidelines which stated that
ADHD can be evident as early as age 6.

Proposed Changes In Diagnostic Criteria For ADHD In Preschoolers

Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is diagnosed based on the criteria
listed in the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders
(DSM).

The current diagnostic DSM guidelines for ADHD state that ADHD symptoms should be present "on or before age 7."

One
of the proposed changes being considered for the next edition of the
DSM is to update this criteria to "on or before age 12."

They
claim the reason for this change is that research indicates that the
age of onset of ADHD is typically noticed or recalled between the ages
of 7 and 12.

How To Tell If Your Child Has ADHD

Diagnosing
ADHD in preschoolers is complex. Most four year olds can be highly
active, have short attention spans, and behave impulsively. To be
diagnosed with ADHD, however, certain specific criteria must be met (See
Diagnosing ADHD.)

Children must exhibit a majority of these ADHD symptoms
for at least six months, and these symptoms must severely hinder a
child's functioning in multiple areas (home, preschool, etc) and result
in marked deficits in learning, peer relationships, etc.

The Pros And Cons Of Early Diagnosis

The positive elements of early diagnosis mean that a child can be assessed and treated early. ADHD treatments typically include a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

On the other hand, diagnosis of any mental illness often results in harmful and needless stigmatizing of individuals.

As
a result, labels such as ADHD, learning disorders , or mental illness
should not be given lightly, especially to children, given how society
often poorly treats those who are perceived to be different.

You Can Always Get A Second Opinion

Any
mental health professional should give pause before diagnosing ADHD in
preschoolers. It should only be done after extensive assessments and
diagnostic testing, and typically only reserved for more severe cases of
ADHD.

If you are not convinced with current diagnosis, it
is always your right to get a second opinion. It couldn't hurt to seek
out ADHD experts in your area and hear their opinions.